The world’s leading pioneers of solar-powered travel will be at the ITB Berlin Convention. The new ITB Eco-Mobility Day will begin with a discussion round and a group of participants whose composition is unique. Gathered on the podium will be leading pioneers of projects exploring solar-powered transport by air, water and on the ground: Andre Borschberg, CEO of Solar Impulse, Louis Palmer, the project initiator, tour director and driver of the solar taxi, and Immo Stroher, investor in Planet Solar. On Friday, 11 March 2011, from 11.45 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. at the Solar Mobility Innovator Panel, they will talk about their spectacular projects and relate their experiences to date.

“Climate-friendly transport has a huge commercial potential in the tourism market“, said David Ruetz, Senior Manager of ITB Berlin. “By hosting the ITB Eco-Mobility Day the ITB Convention now occupies a special role. For the first time the leading minds behind projects exploring solar-powered transport by air, water and on the ground will be gathered on a stage to discuss this forward-looking topic at a tourism trade show.

Together with his associate, the Swiss scientist and explorer Bertrand Piccard, Andre Borschberg, the CEO of Solar Impulse and keynote speaker at this discussion, is currently preparing the first round-the-world trip in Solar Impulse, a solar-powered plane. “During this round-the-world trip, which will neither consume fuel nor produce emissions, Solar Impulse will contribute to research and innovation in support of renewable resources, will highlight the importance of new technology for long-term developments, and will continue in the footsteps of scientific exploration guided by dreams and emotions“, said Andre Borschberg.

Louis Palmer, the project initiator, tour director and driver of the solar taxi, has already travelled around the world in a solar-powered car. He was the first person ever to visit 38 countries in 18 months with his solar taxi and in doing so highlighted existing, low-cost ways to protect the world’s climate. Taking “Zero Race“ as his slogan, and in a bid to break his own record, Louis Palmer is currently attempting to take a solar-powered vehicle around the world in 80 days.

Where transport by water is concerned, Immo Stroher is one of the solar-energy industry’s leading minds. As an investor in Planet Solar he was instrumental in building the first solar-powered boat. TURANOR* PlanetSolar is a pioneering feat in the field of sustainable energy technology. This solar-powered catamaran makes use of technology that is currently available on the market, and aims to prove that today’s engineering solutions already possess the necessary capabilities and could revolutionize maritime transport.

Louis Palmer and Immo Stroher will talk about their projects, each giving an introductory paper and presenting a short film. Afterwards, among other topics, all three speakers will discuss which solar-powered vehicle could be the first to reach mass production. Eberhard Krummheuer, an editor specializing in transport industry matters with the business magazine Handelsblatt, will moderate the discussion round. A normal trade visitor ticket is valid for admission to the convention.